The City of Stuttgart in Germany is pioneering a social rental concept for cargo bikes based on the user’s capacity to pay.
It has deployed 100 e-cargo bikes with advanced features where the rental price can vary from 20, 30 or 55 euros per month.
There is a monthly insurance premium and a one-time deposit, which is also income-dependent and costs between 200 and 1000 euros.
The bikes are rented out for a minimum period of six months via a local social enterprise to encourage citizens to embrace mode switch and reduce car use.
The graduated fee model aims to ensure that a full cross-section of society has the opportunity to commit to environmentally sustainable travel.
The electric-assist bikes are equipped with a large loading box, double child seat, 5-point belts and an adjustable canopy. Infinitely variable hub gears and belt drive make the cargo bikes particularly robust and low-maintenance in everyday use.
The lockable glove compartment, a concealed battery and anti-theft devices on the saddle and front wheel were developed by manufacturer Riese & Müller for sharing use, and a GPS tracker provides additional security.
The high initial purchase price of well equipped e-cargo bikes often means consumers favour rental to ownership.
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